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Thursday, May 31, 2018

Over the course of the last 14 weeks, I've been doing "re-read events" in my Facebook fan group. Each week, we all re-read one of the Bear Mountain books and then meet on Tuesday nights to discuss -- I answer questions and offer up inside information, etc, etc...We still have six more books to go, and then we're going to do Project Zed, as well.Week before last, I saw a post that said this person hated Tyler McCreary (A Beta for Two Bears).It nearly broke my heart.Tyler is my favorite of the McCreary boys... and quite possibly my favorite character next to Declan.Now, my explanation as to why contains SPOILERS... so don't pass here unless you've read the WHOLE series...*********************1. Tyler IS the McCreary Clan.He is the one male who stood up when it counted the most and he has made sure that the majority of his brothers stayed connected amid the chaos.

Dmitri

2. Tyler stood up for his littlest brothers when no one else didEven in his darkest moment, his only concern was for the four little guys. He HAD to get to them in that snowstorm. He HAD to protect them. He HAD to step up and raise them.3. Tyler even stood up for his miscreant teenaged brothers when no one else didHe convinced Barron and Dmitri to offer the middle boys a place to call home. He made sure his brothers were together, not set about to the four corners of the universe. He was THE GLUE that held them all together.4. Tyler has stepped into the role of father to his brothersAs have Barron and Dmitri. Instead of running from responsibilities, he has taken them on without a second thought. To the younger boys, he has basically become their father5. Tyler was tough on Jamie, Penn, and Colt when they returnedBecause he loves them. Their supposed deaths had devastated him. To learn they were suddenly alive and had ran off broke his heart. He felt abandoned, when he would've never abandoned his brothers. Once he learned the reasons why and had time to cool off, he welcomed them back with open arms -- with the caveat that if they ever hurt the younger ones by running away again, he'd tear them apart. I think he deserved that one.6. Tyler can be meddlesome and opinionated and gets into his brothers' business

Barron

Again, because HE LOVES THEM. The McCreary Clan eventually get to a point where they're almost respectable. His brothers are finding redemption in their home town and a lot of that is because of Tyler and his persistence, and the job he's done as a father to his younger brothers. He loves his family. He wants them all to have the happy ever afters he has and maybe on occasion he sticks his opinions or his foot where it doesn't belong -- but ultimately it's coming from a place of love and a desire for them to be better people.7. Tyler is an amazing fatherJust look at the job he's done with his brothers... and the many babies he's had with Barron and Dmitri (who are pretty damned fine fathers themselves)So all this Tyler hate needs to end. He is an amazing, rich, loving character who deserves to be loved right back!

Saturday, May 26, 2018

I know I haven't done one of these in a while, but the kidult and I tried this recipe last week (with many alterations of our own design) and it turned out SO GOOD -- so I had to share.

We have tried to live a pescatarian lifestyle, but have fallen off that boat and are back to eating all kinds of meat. But the positive side effect is that we're still eating much more seafood than other meats each week, which isn't a bad thing, health-wise.

We have shrimp a lot. A WHOLE LOT. I recommend buying fresh, if you can, as they have more flavor (which are often previously frozen, but can't help that much.) Frozen bagged shrimp often lack the same great flavor after they've been frozen for long periods of time, but many people not close to water sources have no other alternative if they want shrimp. (BTW - Whole Foods has had some great fresh shrimp on sale the last few weeks, so I've been in heaven.)

Also, wild caught is healthier than farm raised. Too many farms are feeding antibiotics, hormones, and animal feed to farm raised fish/shrimp, so they're often not as healthy as wild caught. Also, I NEVER buy wild caught from Asian markets, particularly China. Their waters are highly polluted.

Shrimp is very low in fat and calories, so it's a great addition to the diet. Of course, this recipe has heavy cream in it, so that's adding it back in, but it's all about balance, right?

Okay, off my soapbox about seafood and on to the recipe

(Oh, one last thing -- I've heard this recipe is really good with chicken cutlets instead of shrimp if you're not a seafood fan!)

*I used 2% milk, but would likely do fine with full fat, too - skim might be too thin. If you really want to try skim, I suggest perhaps adding another half teaspoon of cornstarch to your slurry.

**Mixing cornstarch and water makes a slurry - make sure there are no lumps! Mix with a fork and break lumps up. The smaller your bowl/cup to mix in, the better - ramekins work great, if you have one. Warm water works best, and you can use some of the pasta water if you'd like - it has a little added starch from the pasta, too)***Use 9 oz for 3 people, 12 oz if serving 4. We used rotini the first time, but I think linguini or fettuccine, or even a thin spaghetti, might be a better choice next time.

Instructions

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Melt the butter and add in the garlic and fry until fragrant, about one minute.

Add rosemary, thyme, and oregano, sauté for just 30 seconds (if diced) to a minute (if fresh) to warm them through and enhance flavor.

Add in the shrimp and fry two minutes on each side, until just cooked through and pink. Transfer to a plate and set aside.

Fry the onion in the butter/herbs remaining in the skillet until near translucent. Pour in the white wine or broth, and reduce by half, deglazing the bottom of the pan (scrape the bottom).

Add the diced tomatoes and sauté for three minutes.

Reduce heat to low-medium heat, add the cream and milk. Bring to a low simmer, while stirring occasionally for about four to five minutes. Season with salt and pepper to your taste.

While the cream and milk is simmering, bring a 4 qt pot of salted water to boil. Add your pasta and cook using the instructions included, or to your taste preference. (Some like al dente, some don't) Drain when done and hold. Don't forget to reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water!

Add in the washed spinach leaves to the cream sauce and allow to wilt in the sauce, stirring often.

And add in the parmesan cheese and blend.

Allow sauce to simmer for a minute or two, or until cheese melts thoroughly in the sauce.

Add the cornstarch/water slurry to the pan and continue to simmer while quickly stirring the mixture through until the sauce thickens.

Add the shrimp back into the pan and stir through.

Add the pasta back into the pan and stir through. If sauce is too thick, add a little bit of the pasta water, no more than a tablespoon at a time until you get the desired consistency.

Enjoy!

Original recipe was found at Cafe Delights and altered for our preferences with supplemental additions made to unclear instructions.

Friday, May 25, 2018

Arrogant quarterback Aiden Summers thinks he’s God’s gift to football. When he’s not drafted, he and the country are shocked, but his cocky attitude barely wavers. Another offer to play ball, in a lesser league, is the best he can find to get paid to play—at least until the next season of big league ball inevitably comes knocking.
Arena football team owner Bailey Thompson is retired from the big game himself, but the love of play kept him inside the business. He sees undrafted college player Aiden Summers as just what his fledgling team needs to sell more seats and raise the profile of the league itself.

When the controlled Bailey meets with cocky Aiden, Bailey immediately knows the younger man needs a little dose of humility and where better to learn that on his knees, with the taste of the crop coming down on his flesh? Aiden’s not gay, but he can’t ignore the desire the rough caresses ignite, regardless if they’re from another man or not.

Can Bailey get Aiden to understand humility and service before it’s too late?

Aiden stood at the cracked door, peeking in on a conversation he had no business peeking in on. If Nash’s plan worked, Aiden would land on the bench again, so he wasn’t completely out of the situation. He should leave, come back later. He couldn’t back away. Seeing Nash’s head bobbing above Bailey’s groin made Aiden’s cock harder than he’d ever imagine it could be. Aiden wasn’t gay, yet watching the two men get it on was the biggest turn-on he’d ever witnessed. He couldn’t see Bailey’s cock past the edge of the desk and he wanted to see it with a desperation that bordered on obsession. Thick and taut, his own cock screamed against the zipper of his jeans. Gripping himself through his jeans, he massaged himself, urging the length to grow even longer. It wasn’t enough, his touch lacking in every way. Aiden unbuttoned his pants and then lowered his zipper, pushing his briefs apart to let his shaft escape the close quarters. Palming his cock, he stroked himself as he watched the scene before him. Heat churned in his sac, the need to come spiraling through him with force. The need took his breath away. Bailey sliced his fingers through Nash’s hair, coaxing the man to take more of Bailey down his throat. The longer Aiden watched, he was fairly certain this wasn’t the two males’ first time in this position. There seemed to be a familiarity they shared, or Nash was very adept at sucking cock. Bailey began to moan louder, pumping his hips up into Nash’s mouth. Aiden quickened the pace over his own shaft, his hips moving in concert with Bailey’s. Seconds after Bailey cried out, Aiden came, shooting a thick load onto the carpet near the door—all while Nash swallowed Bailey’s load. As soon as it was over, Aiden was shaken. He quickly shoved his cock back into his pants and zipped them up as he heard the two men speak in low tones. His head spun as he rushed away from the door. He launched into the men’s room down the hall and washed his hands, cleaning off the remnants of his spunk. Aiden looked up into the mirror when he was done, still shocked he’d responded as he had. He wasn’t gay. He... wasn’t.

Wednesday, May 23, 2018

So, yeah, I'm being a bit "lazy" right now and there's been no new release since Sleeping Beauty.

There WAS going to be a new book on May 30, but due to unforeseen circumstances, the book took a total u-turn and I had to make MASSIVE changes.

A secondary character made me realize the book was actually his and not his nephew's, like I thought it was. But his nephew's story will also be coming, just at a later date...

I need more time to get it right, so that project is being pushed back at least a month, if not more.

After making those changes, I decided to shelve the story for a week or two to let my brain untangle and focus on a short project I've been considering doing. I needed something short and sweet that wouldn't pull me too far away from the shelved book. This will likely be coming close to mid-June.

The big project with all the changes will hopefully be coming in late June/early July.

So check back soon -- I should have a story many of you might be excited to see coming. More news to follow as soon as I have something to share!

Yes, there will be more coming from Midnight, Mississippi soon, too. I had planned for June, but this change in schedule is now pushing the next book in that series tentatively to July.

Sunday, May 20, 2018

Welcome Lisa Oliver back to Sunday Spotlight! She's sharing a bit from her new release, Fagin's Folly, Alpha and Omega Series, 6

***

Fagin Mars, alpha-heir of his father's pack, had two possible life paths. On the one hand, he could do what his father demanded; mate with a female wolf shifter and take over the pack or...something else entirely. Fagin was opting for option two. After a terse exchange with his father, Fagin gets permission to go on a road trip for thirty days. He wants to find his true mate. It shouldn't be that hard, should it?

Cooper Samuels stayed well away from wolf packs. As an omega, he knew the terrors he'd have to face if he ever got caught in pack territory. Which is why he worked for a human accounting services firm and never told anyone about the furry side of his nature. That was, until he went to meet a prospective new client as a biker bar called Fagin's Folly. He should've known his life was going to change the moment someone barrelled into him and knocked him over.

But just because the Fates stepped in and put these two men on the same path, didn't mean the journey was going to be easy. Things aren't all as they seem in Fagin's home pack and things turn nasty after a night on the town. Kidnappings, challenges and the archaic notions many shifters believed about omega wolves was enough for Fagin to consider handcuffs and not the kinky kind. Will Fagin have to give up his mate so soon after finding him, just to ensure his mate's safety?

Like all of the books in the Alpha and Omega series, this can be read as a standalone and has no connections to the others in this series. Contains some violence, an Omega who quickly finds his backbone and an Alpha wolf who realizes love is worth any sacrifice. M/M, HEA, No cliffhangers.

Crap-sticks. Cooper was alone in a surprisingly clean office big enough for a cluttered desk and three chairs, and a guy whose scent was making it difficult to concentrate. The guy was a wolf shifter and suddenly Cooper was aware of how vulnerable he was.

“I didn’t want to cause any trouble by coming here. I wasn’t aware this place was owned by wolves,” he said quickly. “My boss sent me because the call said you needed an accountant to help file your taxes. I can call someone else to come in,” he indicated the door as he edged towards it. “I don’t expect you to work with me and as you said, you’re going on a trip, so I can just see myself out and tell my boss to call you?”

“Where do you think you’re going little omega?”

Gulp. Was it too much to hope he wouldn’t notice that annoying little fact? Cooper studied his feet. Meeting the man-wolf’s eyes was not advisable. “Leaving? Removing myself from your presence as I’m sure it offends you? I just want to get out of here because I’ve no desire to get my head bashed in, or worse.” Now would be a really good time to shut up.

“We seem to be suffering from a communication breakdown. Please, take a seat.” Fagin’s voice had none of the animosity Cooper was used to from alpha wolves, but now he had another dilemma.

I don’t know your rules. I don’t dare ask. Where am I meant to sit? On the floor? Giving his suit up as lost anyway, Cooper crossed his legs and sat on the floor. It’s not as though the chairs looked comfortable anyway.

“What the hell?”

Cooper held his breath as the alpha’s face came into view. “You called me Omega,” Cooper muttered. “Where I came from, Omegas sit on the floor.”

Fagin growled, and Cooper ducked instinctively. Although it had been ten years since he’d heard the low menacing rumble from an alpha, his wolf still reacted as though it was yesterday. The growl got louder in response and Cooper felt his heart start to pound rapidly and black spots appeared in front of his eyes.

“Please get up. In this office you sit on a chair,” Fagin grumbled. “Or better yet, my lap. Who do I need to kill for causing my mate to cower this way?”

Kill? Mate? That feeling of falling into the twilight zone increased. At least his hardened cock made sense, but Cooper didn’t know how to act around alphas any other way. Years of conditioning made some things instinctive. Focusing on what he could handle, Cooper made to get up but before he’d got his feet under him properly the office door opened and hit him on the ass. He went flying again ñ this time into the corner of Fagin’s desk. Fuck, that hurts, Cooper thought as he crashed to the floor and the lights went out.

Adult Excerpt

“Weren’t you just telling me, I really shouldn’t give a damn what people think?” Fagin’s eyes showed his resolve. “I fully plan on letting you take me one day. Not today, I don’t think either one of us are there yet, but there is going to come a time when I’m not behaving like an idiot and you trust me with all you are. I know I’ve set that back some with my actions over the weekend, but we’ve not known each other long. It will come. I promise.”

Cooper’s mouth was dry, his mind assailed with wicked images a good little omega should never be thinking of. He imagined the taste of Fagin’s skin under his tongue; tracing over every ink stroke engraved there while his cock brushed against the swell of Fagin’s naked ass. He heard a groan and was shocked to hear it came from him. Fagin’s smirk didn’t help matters.

“You’re thinking about it, aren’t you, my delicious little Omega.” Fagin’s fingers burned through Cooper’s shirt and Cooper arched into the touch. “You’re imagining what it’d be like to delve between my ass cheeks, maybe tease my virgin hole with your tongue as you work to make me ready for you.”

Cooper’s eyes fluttered closed and he groaned deliberately this time. His pants were sticking to the end of his dick and his ass begged to be filled. Fagin’s hand behind his neck pulled him closer, and a shiver ran down Cooper’s spine as Fagin licked up and then nibbled down the tendons in his neck. “You can feel it now, can’t you.” The sound of a zipper had never sounded so loud. A slight breeze and a firm clasp around his dick, let Cooper know it was his.

There was a fumble and a second finger joined the first. Cooper could feel his slick running down his butt and there was a tiny part screaming at him that his suit was ruined. But all he wanted in that moment was for Fagin’s length to fill him, thrust into him, pound into him ñ anything to take away the ache he felt in the pit of his stomach.

Lisa Oliver had been writing non-fiction books for years when visions of half dressed, buff men started invading her dreams. Unable to resist the lure of her stories, Lisa decided to switch to fiction books, and now stories about her men clamor to get out from under her fingertips.

When Lisa is not writing, she is usually reading with a cup of tea always at hand. Her grown children and grandchildren sometimes try and pry her away from the computer and have found that the best way to do it, is to promise her chocolate. Lisa will do anything for chocolate.

Lisa loves to hear from her readers and other writers. You can friend her on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/lisaoliverauthor), catch up on whatís happening at her blog (http://www.supernaturalsmut.com) or email her directly at yoursintuitively@gmail.com.

Friday, May 18, 2018

Flashback FridayClaiming CallumAlaxian Heirs, 1An alien prince was hidden on Earth twenty-five years ago, his freedom a casualty of the Alaxian Civil War.
Callum Walters has no idea of his true origins, growing up believing he’s a typical human alongside his best friend Trex. Callum hides his desire for Trex, afraid the truth will tear them apart.
When he’s attacked by strange men, Trex jumps into action, protecting Callum from danger. Callum is whisked on board an alien ship and taken off Earth. His whole world is stripped from him—everything but Trex.
Yet that relationship is changed, too. Trex is his bodyguard, sworn to his duty to the royal family, not the man Callum thought him. Betrayed, Callum pushes Trex away.
Trex refuses to be pushed and has more secrets to share with Callum, one which will bind them forever.

“Would you jump in front of a bullet to save me?” Callum asked, his mouth working faster than his brain.

Trex turned, his stare capturing Callum’s. “I would.”

Trex’s stare held more than his admission. There was something else bubbling underneath.

Heat?

“Why would you be so hellbent on doing your duty for a planet you’ve never seen?”

Trex lifted his chin and strolled closer. “Because I was taught the Alaxian ways. When no one was around, my parents taught me the rituals and rites of our world. I understand what is at stake. I may not have seen that world, but I understand it and its traditions. And I know what my reward will be for doing my duty well.”

“Reward? I knew money had to be involved. So what do you get for protecting me?”

Trex closed in, stopping within inches of Callum. He lifted a hand and caressed the side of Callum’s face. Callum’s knees felt weak again, and he nearly dropped to the mattress. He refused to show weakness in Trex’s sight, though, and fought to stay upright, ignoring the spiraling lust caused by Trex’s nearness.

“Not all rewards are monetary,” Trex whispered before kissing Callum.

Callum felt the first touch of Trex’s lips on his, and his body exploded with need. A spark lit through him, like an electric surge that almost took his breath away. He’d wanted Trex for so long, dreaming of this moment. Trex moved his hand, sliding it to the back of Callum’s neck and drawing him closer. The kiss ignited, their lips and tongues warring with one another as Callum pressed his hands against Trex’s chest.

Sunday, May 13, 2018

Welcome A.M. Halford back to Sunday Spotlight. A.M. is sharing a bit from their new release, Photographic Heart, Itáyu Lake 8

Brannon has come to Itáyu Lake to find his mate after having his prophetic dream. While there, he stops to visit his aunts Bridget and Erin and catch up on what has happened at the lake.

Kyle Glass-Symphony heard of Spirit Valley from a friend and has risked his life to return to the states to photographic the natural beauty of the area. He’s not disappointed and soon finds himself engrossed in his task, which lands him in a tight spot hanging off a cliff.

When Brannon helps save his human mate, Kyle returns the favor and invites him for dinner. Sparks fly instantly between the two, but their start will not be smooth sailing. Kyle’s got a blood thirsty stepmother after him, hell bent on seeing him dead for his fortune. To top it off, seems fate has a gift in store for the new couple, a baby?

Can they survive Kyle’s stepmother to make a family together?

Buy Link - https://goo.gl/YYRNVo Excerpt: “Yes!” He smiled as he sat up and looked at the scroll. Man, his friend had certainly been right. This place was amazing! After standing, he brushed off the dirt and dried plants clinging to him and whistled. An energetic bark filtered to him before a black-and-white dog came bounding up out of the brush. “Hey, girl.” Kyle scratched behind her ears and set off for another location. He’d spotted a set of high rocks just a bit behind him and knew he could get some great shots from up there.
Heading for the trails, he tossed a stick ahead of him for Amber to chase. The pit mix had never left his side since he’d found her on the streets in Toronto, and he didn’t think his life would be the same without her. Together they’d gone everywhere. India, Egypt, the Congo, China, Japan, Brazil, and Tanzania. Recently he’d just gotten back to the States from another trip to India. He loved that country and the natural beauty found there.
Upon reaching the rocks, he set his bag down and pulled out some rope. A trick he’d learned from a wildlife photographer—sometimes you had to risk your life to get the best shots. Kyle tied one end of the rope to a secure, live tree, and then wrapped the other end around his waist. He made sure the rope would hold and shuffled to the end of the rock so his arms and half of his chest were dangling over the ledge.
Just as he’d thought, this vantage point gave him the best visual lines, unobstructed by the rest of the natural land. Amber sat behind him, her attention set on keeping him safe. He doubted there was anything for her to protect him from out here. Then again, who was he to tell her not to do her job? She didn’t argue with him when he moved them all over the globe, so he could humor her desire to constantly keep him safe.
Taking two deep breaths, Kyle tuned out of the world and focused only on what he could see through his lens. The mastery. The beauty. The details only found in nature. All of it came alive through his lens. Ducks coming to land in the lake. Deer peeking out to get a drink. Fish jumping, disturbing the tranquil surface. And all of it encased by the mountains reflected perfectly on the dark water.
He was so lost in his pictures that he didn’t notice Amber growling until he heard someone ask, “What are you doing?” Amber barked, meaning his visitor was getting a little too close for her comfort. With effort, Kyle maneuvered back onto the rock and turned onto his back. Quickly, he snapped a photo of the man who’d snuck up on him.
“Taking pictures.” Kyle smirked as he sat up. “What does it look like I’m doing?” “Rock climbing. Poorly,” the man gibed, his charming, boyish looks tugging at Kyle’s desires. Yeah, fine, it may have been a minute or two since he’d last gotten any. The countries he frequented weren’t exactly known for their open-minded views on same-sex relations.
The man took a step toward him, and Amber barked in warning. “Easy, girl.” Kyle ran his hands down her smooth, short coat. “He doesn’t mean us any harm, do you?”
Okay, a presumptuous thing to assume considering the amount of people in Kyle’s life who did mean him harm. There was just something about this stranger, though. Kyle couldn’t quite put his finger on it, but he knew on instinct that he wasn’t there to hurt them.
“No, I don’t mean you harm.” The man took a step back as if to show Amber he was friendly.
Kyle got to his feet and dusted himself off again. He did that a lot in his profession. As he fretted about his own appearance, he appraised the one before him. Thick, even luscious, golden-blond hair shone in the evening sunlight. Eyes the color of the greenest emeralds captured his attention and held him in thrall. The rest of the stranger was equally easy on the eyes, but not overly gorgeous. There was a definite male quality to him that drew Kyle in.
“I’m Brannon,” the stranger said easily, that boy-next-door charm seeping through.
“Kyle.”
Brannon took a step forward, and Kyle instinctively mirrored the action. It was Amber that got between them and growled again, warning Brannon away. As Kyle took a step back, his foot slipped on a few loose rocks, and he lost his balance.
Cursing, he fell backward over the rock face. “Kyle!” Brannon shouted while Amber barked worriedly.
“I’m okay.” Kyle let out a gasp, the rope around his middle digging in painfully. Maybe he should invest in a harness?
“I’m going to pull you up.”
“Thanks. I appreciate it.”
He heard a couple of grunts and growls, and Kyle grinned at the effort put in. When he got back to the top, he saw Amber tugging on the rope with Brannon. As soon as struggled onto the ledge, she rushed him, licking his face before grabbing his shirt and tugging directly on him.
“My hero,” Kyle said with a laugh, petting his dog once he got clear of the danger.
“Are you okay?” Brannon demanded, worry in his gorgeous eyes as he came to kneel in front of Kyle.
“I am now. Thank you. How about I repay you for the rescue with dinner?”
“It’s a date.” Brannon beamed.
Buy Link: https://goo.gl/YYRNVo

About A.M. Halford:
A.M. Halford lives in Southern Oregon and enjoys spending as much time outside as she possibly can. Her and her partner often find themselves hiking with their two dogs when the weather permits it. Fishing, camping, and photography are also activities she greatly enjoys. If the weather doesn’t permit going outside she likes to curl up with a sketch book and draw whatever comes to mind.
A.M. Halford got into writing as an outlet for personal therapy and has since expanded that into a hobby and profession that she fully enjoys. she often writes down anything that comes to mind, combing through the ideas and expanding on plots that sound the most interesting. She like to writes believable relations between people overcoming unfair hardships set before them. She always loves a happy ending and no matter the hell her characters go through they’ll always get their forever person.

Friday, May 11, 2018

Their love is taboo. The crossing of wolven bloodlines is forbidden. Yet Eirik, supreme alpha and king of the wolves, is tired of hiding his love for Gunnar. The last of his kind, he’s cursed to be without a mate during his long life. He refuses his destiny and seeks solace with one of those closest to him.

King’s guard Gunnar knew he could never expect to stand at the king’s side when he let the man take him to bed, no matter how much he began to crave it over the decades. He’d given his life to be a member of the elite warriors, not a king’s consort, but he can’t stop wishing the king could be his.

Moments before Eirik can change the laws governing their world, an old enemy comes baring a unique gift. Perhaps Eirik’s not the last of his kind after all.

“You know as well as I do that wolves are not immortal. He’s lived a long, long life and now his soul has… grown thin. I’ve never met one as old as he is and doubt I will again.”
It wasn’t the answer Eirik wanted. “How much longer do we have with him?”
The doctor shook his head. “It could be days… maybe weeks. I couldn’t say.”
It wasn’t the answer he wanted to hear. His hands fisted at his side as he struggled to control his emotions.
“You can go,” Eirik whispered, his voice raw.
The doctor left quickly. Eirik wanted to scream. He wanted to howl his frustrations, but he had too many eyes watching him.
He was supposed to be regal.
Unemotional.
Fuck them all!
Eirik punched the wall, his fist breaking through one of the painted cement blocks. It shattered around his hand, leaving his fist bloodied. There was no pain, not greater than the one he already felt. He stared at the hole he’d left in the wall, knowing it was just like the hole growing inside him.
“Your Majesty?” Gunnar said, his voice low and filled with worry.
Eirik met Gunnar’s stare. He said nothing, just brushed past the man and went back into Uffe’s room.
The elder wolf slept.
Eirik walked back to the side of the bed and sat down. He took Uffe’s hand in his.
Something had changed.
“Uffe?” he asked, panic filling him. He shook the man’s shoulder carefully. “Uffe?” he cried, louder this time. He kept on shaking, but Uffe never awoke.
“No,” he whispered, unready to say goodbye.
Sorrow twisted his face as he sank to his knees beside the bed, Uffe’s hand still captured between his. Hot tears fell down his face as he held on for as long as he could. When there was nothing left inside him, he rose on shaking legs and placed a last kiss on Uffe’s forehead. Wiping away the tears, he collected himself as best he could.
“I want his funeral tonight,” he said to the room. He knew several of the hospital staff stood at the door, ready to prepare the body. And likely ready to share gossip about the king losing his control. “I won’t have him sitting in the morgue. Tonight.”
“Yes, Your Majesty,” two of the staff members said in unison.
After grabbing the leather file, he exited the room.
He felt Gunnar fall into step behind him in the hospital corridor. The small facility was wolf-owned and operated. No humans could ever find out what they were, so they’d created the world they needed on their own. He moved his hand to the side, slapping Gunnar in the chest with the file.
“Take this and have Damien review Uffe’s notes.”
Gunnar took the folder and never lost a step. “Yes, Your Majesty.”
“I want him to conduct a search for other dire wolves immediately.”
“Of course, sire.”
Eirik stopped before the elevator and punched the button, harder than he needed to. Frustration filled every ounce of his body. There was nothing he could do to stop from losing Uffe. The best wolven doctors, the best of hospital care… none of it was enough.
He was now the last.
Uffe had saved him, for what? For a legacy of being the last of his bloodline? To only parlay the eventual end of his kind for another few thousand years? What had he accomplished to leave a mark—a mark for an entire race of wolves?
Nothing.
Nothing he’d done would ever be enough. The dire wolves would go out with a whimper.
The elevator arrived and he stepped inside, Gunnar on his heels. The doors wouldn’t close fast enough.
As soon as they were alone, Eirik dragged Gunnar into his arms and pressed his lips to his lover’s. Gunnar yielded easily, his mouth soft under Eirik’s. He dragged in a breath, drawing in Gunnar’s masculine scent.
He needed this touch… this taste. He needed to feel alive after witnessing the slow drift of death. He needed Gunnar to fill that hole widening inside him.
Eirik backed away and stared into Gunnar’s handsome face. “Tonight. Come to me. After the funeral… I don’t want to be alone.”
Gunnar cupped one side of Eirik’s face. “As if I’d let you be alone tonight.”

Wednesday, May 9, 2018

Caught in the battle of a lifetime, Prince Rainier’s land is nearing surrender. Years of war have destroyed his once beautiful land and virtually everything he held dear. His forces are dwindling, his gold almost gone, and he’s facing the prospect of an arranged marriage in order to buy allies in a last ditch attempt to save his kingdom.

On a fool’s errand, he races out in search of one last hope—an old fairy tale his father had once told him of a sleeping army that could win his war for him.

The only wrinkle? He’ll have to kiss a beautiful princess in order to do it. Unwilling to let his people suffer, he’ll do what he must in order to save them all. And perhaps that princess won’t want him once she awakens… considering he doesn’t want her.

Only his princess isn’t all he’d expected.

Can he find a way to save his people and not curse two people to live in a loveless marriage?

And what’s all this nonsense about true love?

This story originally appeared on Manlike Fantasies as a short story. It has been expanded—tripled in length—and professionally edited.

“Shhh,” Rainier said as he ran a hand down his horse’s neck. After it was apparent the animal wouldn’t calm easily, he slid from his spooked horse and continued soothing the stallion. “It’s okay, boy. According to the map, we’re almost to the village.”There was good reason for the horse to be spooked. He cast a look to the side. Off in the distance, stood a huge ruined castle or fortress of some kind. It was hard to see, between the moon’s glow and the dense overgrowth surrounding it. A shiver raced down his spine. Something evil resided inside that place, he sensed it in his gut.Steeling himself, he refused to let his instincts show. He’d never get Bailey to calm if he let his concern show. He ran a hand along the horse’s strong neck. “Not far, boy.” He led the horse a bit farther away from the brambles that grew closer to the structure. Noises sounded behind him… noises that didn’t sound natural…He kept walking, leading Bailey through the dark stretch of road.Once they rounded a corner, the moon came out from behind a cloud. Brighter, the horse seemed to calm. Rainier climbed astride and urged his steed forward. It wasn’t long before they came across an inn at the crossroads.“I think we’ll call it a night,” he murmured to his horse, which whinnied his approval.After leading his horse to the stables and paying the stable master a florin to get the animal cared for, he bid his horse ado for the night and ambled into the inn. A rowdy bunch was well into their cups as he edged through the crowd. Over a drunken chorus, he paid for a room, ale, and dinner before moving to a seat close to the fire.Rainier scanned the room, searching for any signs of danger. Traveling alone was never wise, but he had no choice. He was in dire need.The innkeeper brought over his ale and trencher filled with mutton stew. “I’ve got a room being tidied up fer ya now,” the robust man said. “Should be ready by the time ye’ve eaten.”“Many thanks,” Rainier said before nodding to the man and taking a long drink from the pint.The food didn’t last long. He hadn’t eaten all day. It was too salty and a bit too overcooked, but he was starving, so he ignored all that. After a refill of his pint to wash down the salt, he again scanned the room.It had grown a bit quieter as he’d eaten. He searched over the faces of the men inside, only to have a plump woman land in his lap.“Need someone ta warm that bed o’yers?” she asked with a coy smile.“I doubt you’d like my bed,” he muttered before pushing her to her feet.“A handsome chap like you? I think I’d like that verra much.”Rainier lifted an eyebrow. He had more important things to do than argue with her. A fuck wasn’t the reason he’d come this far, alone. But then, maybe she could answer his questions. “How much?” he asked.Her smile widened. “One of them florins ye’ve got should do.”“How about I pay you one of those—if you have some news to share with me?”A frown crossed her face. “News?”“That fortress I passed on the way here—the one covered in vines—can you tell me about it?”Her eyes grew wide. “Yer not thinking of going in there, are ya?”He shrugged. He was desperate. And he’d heard the myths… if they were true, he needed something inside. “Perhaps.”“Issa dark, dark place, that. Ya don’t wanna go there.”He held up a coin. “I just want you to tell me all you know…” He dropped his hand. “Unless you don’t know anything.”The woman flopped down across from him. “O’course I do.” She eyed him before lifting her chin arrogantly. “Dinner, ale, and that coin, and I’ll tell ya whatever ya want.”Rainier sighed. “Dinner and the ale.” He leaned forward. “And if your information is strong, then I’ll pay you the coin.”She considered him a moment before nodding. He lifted a hand and called over the innkeeper. Once he’d paid for the woman’s food, the old man muttered as he walked away.“The story goes that there’s a princess inside that place,” she said. “Some call her Sleeping Beauty. Say she’d the fairest lass the land’s ever seen. But I say there’s no way anyone’s alive in there, asleep or not. It’s been a good three hundred years now. All’s in that place is cobwebs and bones. ‘Cept for—” She paused as the innkeeper delivered her food. Immediately, she took the ale and drained what had to be half.“Except for?”The woman lowered her tankard. “‘Cept for the dragon. He’s been in there, guarding the Sleeping Beauty for all these years. I’ve heard him myself, I have. Roaring in the middle of the night.”Rainier averted and rolled his eyes. A dragon. Sure. There hasn’t been a dragon sighting in a thousand years or more. “They say the whole castle fell asleep when she did… the king, the queen… his court… his army… and his guards and knights.” The myths that surrounded the king’s elite guard and those knights were stuff of legend. They’d been powerful… unstoppable… and all brought down by a girl who couldn’t remain away from a spindle.“That’s what I hear. A kiss from her true love will awaken the entire castle. Whoever does it will get rewarded in gold, lots of it.”A smile crossed his face. His country was in ruins… his armies nearly destroyed. An evil tried to claim his lands. Reawakening that sleeping army, the guards, and the knights was his last chance. The gold reward could help buy his troops the supplies they desperately needed. His neighbors had already been defeated… his country was the last bastion of hope.He wouldn’t let his people down.If he had to kiss some girl, so be it.“Wait a minute? True love? The one to kiss her must be her true love?”“So I hear.”Rainier frowned. “The tale I heard said anyone who could get past the brambles, the mighty dragon, and awoke the princess with a kiss would receive a grand reward.”“No telling,” the woman said. “The story’s older than I am. Either of us could be right.”Rainier smiled ruefully, irritated at a new wrinkle in the tale.“No reason to smile,” the woman said between bites of the stew. “Yer never gettin’ in.”“You think so little of me, hmm?”“Ya think yer the first who’s tried? There are bones of great knights in those brambles, even more inside with that dragon. Many a man has died trying to get the princess. None did. And they all died trying.”He didn’t want the princess. He wanted something far greater.Reaching into his pocket, he caressed the map he held there. He’d stumbled across it in his library months before, a token his father had received from someone. It showed a secret passage into the castle. If he could bypass the bramble and sneak in to see whatever guarded that castle, perhaps he’d have a better chance.He withdrew the map and showed the woman a portion of it. Pointing near the spot where the tunnel began, he looked across the table.“Know where this is?”She cocked her head, the fork stuck between her full lips. Staring as she chewed, she finally slid the implement out before gazing at him wide-eyed. “That’s near the mill.” She pointed to a small spot. “That’s it, I’m sure.”“You can direct me there?”“Follow the road to Iveyville. Sign is right out there. Ya will see the mill’s blades after a few miles or so.”Rainier smiled and handed her the coin. “Thank you.”The woman smiled. “I can still keep ya comp’ny tonight if ya want. No additional charge.”Rainier shook his head. “Not tonight. I have a big day tomorrow.”